Torrance, CA – American Honda recently announced a new online parts catalog and ordering system provided as an enhancement to its Service Express website.

The Service Express website, available to independent repair facilities on a subscription basis through participating Honda and Acura dealers, provides service and repair information for every OBD II-equipped Honda and Acura automobile going back to 1996. This includes service manual diagnostic and repair procedures, electrical wiring diagrams, service bulletins and technician newsletters.

Available immediately at no additional cost to those independent shops that subscribe to Service Express is a full-line parts catalog and ordering system. The system is up 24 hours a day, seven days a week, making parts ordering easy. The system also denotes those parts necessary for a specific repair, possibly saving time and money for the shop. Parts orders will be filled at the receiving dealer during that dealer’s normal business hours.

For more information about Service Express and the parts catalog and ordering system, visit www.ServiceExpress.Honda.com.

Maine Autocare Specialist Named NAPA/ASE Technician of the YearAtlanta – NAPA AUTO PARTS and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) have named Bob Merrill the 2004 NAPA/ASE Technician of the Year. Presented annually by NAPA AUTO PARTS and ASE, the Technician of the Year award is given to a technician who exemplifies excellence and achievement in the industry.

Merrill, owner of Horsepower AutoCare in Windham, ME, was selected because of his customer service efforts, superior technical skills, continuing education and community involvement. He was named the NAPA/ASE Maine Technician of the Year six times before earning the national award.

Merrill has more than 40 years of experience in the automotive repair industry. He began his career with Arnold Machinery in Portland, ME, before partnering with his wife Bonnie to open the Horsepower Barn in Windham. He is a recertified Master ASE technician, and an ASE-certified machinist, undercar and service consultant. Merrill also earned an Accredited Automotive Management degree from the Automotive Management Institute.

A member of the NAPA AutoCare program for more than 10 years, Horsepower AutoCare recently received the ASE Blue Seal of Excellence Recognition award. In addition, Horsepower AutoCare is a member of the AAA Approved Auto Repair program. The repair shop’s yearly customer satisfaction ratings have consistently ranged from 97 to 100%.

Merrill is currently a charter member of the Automotive Service Professionals, and has served as president of Maine’s ASA. He also belongs to the Business Network Inc., and volunteers with local high schools and community organizations.